Display system for microscopic optical instruments

Abstract

A display system for use with a microscopic optical instrument having at least one eyepiece. The display system has a display unit operably attached to the eyepiece and incorporates therein a LED display which provides direct visual feedback to an individual who views imagery through the optical instrument. The LED display is interfaced to a computer which provides intelligent control of the display system when activated by the operator of the optical instrument. When not activated, the display system allows normal viewing through the optical instrument to take place.

We claim: 
     
       1. In an optical viewing instrument having at least one eyepiece incorporated therein and said eyepiece having a surrounding side wall and an opening at an end thereof for viewing imagery in optical alignment therewith, the improvement therein being in the form of a display system, said display system comprising an aperture located in said side wall of said eyepiece, a hollow housing having a pair of open ends, said housing being connected adjacent one of said open ends thereof to said side wall of said eyepiece and in optical alignment with said aperture, a display means operably connected to the other of said open ends of said housing for providing a beam of radiant energy containing information, focusing means located within said housing and in optical alignment with said beam of radiation containing information for directing said beam through said aperture in said eyepiece, directing means located within said eyepiece adjacent said aperture and in optical alignment with said beam of radiant energy for directing both said imagery and said beam through said opening in said eyepiece to an observer using said optical instrument, said information from said display means being superimposed over said imagery, whereby said observer can utilize said optical instrument for viewing both said imagery located in optical alignment with said optical instrument and said information from said display means. 
     
     
       2. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said display means is in the form of a light emitting diode. 
     
     
       3. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 2 wherein said directing means in said eyepiece is in the form of a beam splitter. 
     
     
       4. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 3 wherein said directing means in said housing is in the form of at least one focusing lens. 
     
     
       5. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 4 wherein said directing means further comprises a mirror. 
     
     
       6. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 having a pair of eyepieces wherein said feedback display system further comprises a filter in the other of said eyepieces. 
     
     
       7. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said information providing means is in the form of a computer and control electronics interconnecting said computer to said display means. 
     
     
       8. In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 3 wherein said housing is removably secured to said side wall of said eyepiece.